September - October 2010 | USC-PRC Notes
“Promoting Health through Physical Activity”
Finally, the humidity gauge has been turned down a little and college and professional football seasons have begun in America. That means schools are back in session and fall is upon us. Back to the daily grind for most of us. However, I love this time of year as everyone one seems to have a fresh start and a positive attitude. It’s also stimulating to know that soon I will be at the annual Physical Activity and Public Health Course in Park City, Utah where I will be surrounded by some of the brightest physical activity researchers and practitioners on the planet. And, around the corner is the annual American Public Health Association meeting in Denver, CO which is filled with several exciting scientific sessions and events organized by the PA Special Interest Group. Yes, the doldrums I felt this past summer are gone, and I hope that you are feeling reenergized at this time of year as I am. I look forward to seeing many of you this fall and sharing our enthusiasm with one another.
Steven P. Hooker, PhD, Director
IN THIS ISSUE – SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER
NEWS YOU CAN USE: October is International Walk to School Month; Healthy Aging® Month; Active Aging Week; Family Health and Fitness Day USA
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN WASHINGTON:
Senate Committee Approves Forward-Looking Livable Communities Act
RESEARCH NOTES: Analyzing the Time Frame for the Transition from Leisure-Cyclist to Commuter-Cyclist; Longitudinal Associations between Neighborhood-Level Street Network with Walking, Bicycling, and Jogging: The Cardia Study; Accelerometer Output and MET Values of Common Physical Activities; Using Google Earth to Conduct a Neighborhood Audit: Reliability of a Virtual Audit Instrument
REPORTS, SURVEYS, GUIDELINES, RESOURCES: Global Recommendations on Physical Activity for Health; Active Parent Education Kit
PROMOTING ACTIVE COMMUNITIES: Bicycle City: A Place for Car-Free, Sustainable Living; 2010 Fall Bicycle Friendly Communities Announced; Cities Can Help Promote the Outdoors
UPCOMING CONFERENCES AND WORKSHOPS: PE4Life Resource Conference Play to W.I.N.; 48th International Making Cities Livable Conference; 138th American Public Health Association Annual Meeting and Exposition; European Public Health Association (EUPHA) Annual Conference; Texas Obesity Research Center 2010 Conference
USC PREVENTION RESEARCH CENTER UPDATE: New Staff
NEWS YOU CAN USE:
OCTOBER IS INTERNATIONAL WALK TO SCHOOL MONTH. During the month of October, elementary and middle school students and their families can help their schools win one of five $5,000 grants by walking or bicycling to school. Parents are invited to sign up online for the “Walk to School Challenge” and log their families' walking or bicycling trips on behalf of their school. The five schools with the highest levels of participation will be eligible to win a $5,000 grant. Frequent walkers and bicyclists can also earn individual prizes, ranging from green shoelaces to reusable water bottles. Sign up at www.facebook.com/greenworks. [Source: Safe Routes Matter - News Brief, September 2, 2010]
HEALTHY AGING® MONTH, September 1-30, 2010, http://www.healthyaging.net/
ACTIVE AGING WEEK, September 20-26, 2010, http://www.icaa.cc/aaw.htm
FAMILY HEALTH AND FITNESS DAY USA, September 25, 2010, http://www.fitnessday.com/family
For a list of PA related observances and events, visit the PA links section of our website at http://prevention.sph.sc.edu/PAlinks/index.htm.
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN WASHINGTON:
SENATE COMMITTEE APPROVES FORWARD-LOOKING LIVABLE COMMUNITIES ACT. On August 3, 2020, the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs approved Chairman Christopher Dodd’s (D-CT) Livable Communities Act, S 1619. The Act would take unprecedented steps to help communities deal with a range of critical issues, from traffic congestion to housing affordability to neighborhood stability. [Source: Transportation for America, August 2010]
RESEARCH NOTES:
ANALYZING THE TIME FRAME FOR THE TRANSITION FROM LEISURE-CYCLIST TO COMMUTER-CYCLIST. Recent findings suggest many commuter-cyclists were first leisure-cyclists. Using survey data, this study examined factors and length of time that described this process to becoming a commuter-cyclist. Factors associated with commuting using bicycle included shorter distances between home and work, higher proportions of bike lanes segregated from the road, and fewer signalized traffic intersections on the commuting route. Additionally, bicycle commuters who were previously leisure-cyclists also had higher levels of physical fitness and awoke earlier each day. Park, Lee, Shin, & Sohn. “Analyzing the time frame for the transition from leisure-cyclist to commuter-cyclist.” Transportation, Published online August 12, 2010. http://www.springerlink.com/content/y77r6ljnm20m8921/fulltext.pdf
LONGITUDINAL ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN NEIGHBORHOOD-LEVEL STREET NETWORK WITH WALKING, BICYCLING, AND JOGGING: THE CARDIA STUDY. Using prospective data from repeated exams on 5115 young adults, the authors linked self-reports of physical activity and residential street locations determined from a Geographic Information System. Neighborhood street density (number of intersections) was positively associated with walking, bicycling, and jogging in low urban areas, but not for middle or high urban areas. The authors hypothesize the findings suggest the importance of interconnected streets and local roads in areas lacking other environmental supports for physical activity. Additionally, women in high urban areas with high-levels of local roads were less likely to be physically active, suggesting barriers to PA, such as poorer aesthetics and higher crime rates associated with urban areas, may be particularly salient for women compared to men. Hou, Popkin, Jacobs, et al. “Longitudinal associations between neighborhood-level street network with walking, bicycling, and jogging: The CARDIA study.” Health and Place. In Press: Corrected proof published online August 10, 2010 http://preview.tinyurl.com/375kd9l.
ACCELEROMETER OUTPUT AND MET VALUES OF COMMON PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES. In this study, the authors measured the MET values (via a portable metabolic system) and accelerometer output among 277 adults for 23 activities, ranging from washing dishes to treadmill walking to climbing stairs. A linear regression model among all activities to predict MET values from accelerometer counts accounted for 65% of the variability in our sample, which is considered a moderate to high association. However, the authors also describe intrinsic errors when using a linear regression model to predict MET values from accelerometers, specifically for activities that require upper body effort, walking on a level surface vs. walking on an incline, and for intermittent activities such as ascending stairs. Based on these findings, the authors state linear regression models are inappropriate for accurately predicting METs from accelerometer output. Kozey, Lyden, Howe, Staudenmayer, & Freedson. “Accelerometer output and MET values of common physical activities.” Med Sci Sports Exerc, 42(9), 1776-1784, 2010,
USING GOOGLE EARTH TO CONDUCT A NEIGHBORHOOD AUDIT: RELIABILITY OF A VIRTUAL AUDIT INSTRUMENT. Research highlighting the influence of community characteristics (e.g. population density, land use, neighborhood block size) on the physical and mental health of their residents has been ongoing for over two decades, although assessment techniques for these characteristics are relatively new. The authors assessed the reliability of neighborhood audit instrument using two methods: 1) in-person assessment, and 2) assessment via Google Street View, a component of Google Earth, a free, internet-based computer program. There was strong agreement between methods for objective measures such as identifying recreation facilities, local food environments (e.g. supermarkets), alcohol signage, and presence of trees lining neighborhoods. However, qualitative measurements, such as street quality and presence of glass or garbage, were less reliable. Overall, using the internet to conduct neighborhood audits has the potential to reduce costs of collecting data. Clarke, Ailshire, Melendez, Bader, & Morenoff. “Using Google Earth to conduct a neighborhood audit: Reliability of a virtual audit instrument.” Health and Place. In Press: Corrected proof published online August 11, 2010. http://preview.tinyurl.com/366ln3g
For additional summaries of recent research on promoting physically
active lifestyles, visit the Research Updates section of our website
at http://prevention.sph.sc.edu/updates/index.htm.
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REPORTS, SURVEYS, GUIDELINES, RESOURCES:
GLOBAL RECOMMENDATIONS ON PHYSICAL ACTIVITY FOR HEALTH. For the first time, the World Health Organization (WHO) has published new physical activity recommendations at the international level. The purpose of these recommendations is to provide national and regional policy makers with clear, comprehensive, and evidence-based guidelines on the dose-response relationship between physical activity and health. They were developed by a team of international experts and were peer reviewed before finalization by the WHO Secretariat. The primary focus of these recommendations is the prevention of non-communicable diseases through physical activity at population level. Read the entire publication at http://whqlibdoc.who.int/publications/2010/9789241599979_eng.pdf. [Source: World Health Organization. (2010). Global Recommendations on Physical Activity for Health.]
ACTIVE PARENT EDUCATION KIT. Developed by the Department of Sport and Recreation of the Government of Western Australia, this tool provides information and education on the benefits of physical activity and the importance of positive behaviors in sport and recreation. The kit targets parents, schools, clubs, coaches, and any community group who need information about the parent’s role in a sport and recreation environment. The goal is to promote good role models for building stronger, healthier, happier, and safer environments. Examine the toolkit at http://preview.tinyurl.com/388zgl4. [Source: AusPAnet, September 14, 2010]
PROMOTING ACTIVE COMMUNITIES:
BICYCLE CITY: A PLACE FOR CAR-FREE, SUSTAINABLE LIVING. This planned bicycle-only development in Gaston, South Carolina will not allow cars, and will be home to ten eco-friendly houses and 4.5 miles of interconnected bicycle and walking trails. Co-developer Joe Mellett hopes to begin construction soon on a 160-acre tract of land. The Gaston location was chosen for three reasons:
- It’s relatively close to Columbia’s numerous college communities;
- It’s in Lexington County, which has recently built many bike-only greenways that connect the county car-free; and
- A new state-of-the-art South Carolina State Farmers Market is opening nearby, which hopefully will entice home buyers with a penchant for organic farming.
Read more at http://tinyurl.com/236xchg. [Source: CenterLines 261, September 1, 2010]
2010 FALL BICYCLE FRIENDLY COMMUNITIES ANNOUNCED. On September 15th the League of American Bicyclists announced 18 new Bicycle Friendly Communities (BFCs) and 8 renewing BFCs for 2010 at the Pro Walk/Pro Bike Conference. To see the new winners, go to http://www.bikeleague.org/blog/. See the complete list of BFCs at http://preview.tinyurl.com/2dcq6v4. The new listings shows a number of cities have achieved a higher ranking than before. To learn more about becoming a BFC, go to http://preview.tinyurl.com/nkqah9. [Source: League of American Bicyclists Press Release, September 15, 2010]
CITIES CAN HELP PROMOTE THE OUTDOORS. In Minnesota, sales of hunting and fishing licenses have been on the decline, and overall interest in outdoor recreation has apparently been flagging. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has made a determined effort to get people — especially kids —into the woods and out on the water. Minnesota’s calendar is now dotted with free fishing weekends, special youth-only hunting seasons and a variety of other events designed to get families outdoors. Local, or city, governments can play a big role in promoting easy access to outdoor recreation. If they do, Minnesota’s experience shows that people will take advantage of it. [Source: Parks and Recreation Weekly News Brief, September 14, 2010]
SCHOOLS:
SAFE ROUTES COACHING ACTION NETWORK SEMINAR: LOOKING BOTH WAYS: HELPING PARENTS AND EDUCATORS SUPPORT SAFE WALKING AND BICYCLING. This webinar on September 28th at 1:00 pm will focus on how parents and educators can support safe walking and bicycling. You will find out what researchers learned from focus groups with parents of “tweens,” and how it might be applied in your community. In addition, speakers will discuss new resources for marketing, and how parents can assess and build their child's pedestrian safety skills. The webinar will also include a discussion of the new National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Child Pedestrian Safety Curriculum which will be released soon. Register at https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/343473744. [Source: National Center for Safe Routes to School Announcement]
UPCOMING CONFERENCES AND WORKSHOPS:
PE4LIFE RESOURCE CONFERENCE PLAY TO W.I.N. 10/4/2010 - 10/5/2010, Overland Park, KS; http://www.pe4life.org/events/pe4life-upcoming-events/
48TH INTERNATIONAL MAKING CITIES LIVABLE CONFERENCE. 10/17/2010 - 10/21/2010, Charleston, SC; http://www.livablecities.org/conferences/forthcoming-conferences.html
138TH AMERICAN PUBLIC HEALTH ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING AND EXPOSITION. 11/6/2010 - 11/10/2010, Denver, CO; http://www.apha.org/meetings/
EUROPEAN PUBLIC HEALTH ASSOCIATION (EUPHA) ANNUAL CONFERENCE. 11/10/2010 - 11/13/2010, Amsterdam, Netherlands. http://www.eupha.org/site/upcoming_conference.php
TEXAS OBESITY RESEARCH CENTER 2010 CONFERENCE. 11/18/2010 - 11/19/2010, Houston, TX; http://hhp.uh.edu/obesity/conference/
For a more complete list of conferences and workshops, visit the PA links section of our website at http://prevention.sph.sc.edu/PAlinks/index.htm.
USC PRC UPDATES:
NEW STAFF. Robin Shook is a first-year doctoral student in the Arnold School of Public Health at the University of South Carolina. Robin is originally from a small town in Iowa, and received his bachelor’s degree in Health Promotion from the University of Northern Iowa and his master’s degree in Exercise Science from Iowa State University. Prior to enrolling at USC, he has worked in research labs at the Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine in Dallas, TX, Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge, LA, and the University of Missouri in Columbia, MO. Among his other duties, Robin will select and summarize newly published research articles for both this newsletter and the USC PRC website. He is married and the proud owner of two dogs.
For a more complete list of conferences and workshops, visit the PA links section of our website at http://prevention.sph.sc.edu/PAlinks/index.htm.
Writers: Marsha Stepp, Robin Shook
This and past issues of the “University of South Carolina Prevention Research Center Notes” are available on our website at http://prevention.sph.sc.edu/Newsletter/index.htm.
To submit an item, please e-mail Marsha Stepp at mstepp@mailbox.sc.edu.
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This publication was supported by Cooperative Agreement Number 5-U48-DP-000051 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the CDC.
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